O’Dowd supports project aimed at tackling digital exclusion
Date published:
Finance Minister John O’Dowd has said it is important to break down barriers to digital services and support those who have historically faced digital exclusion.
The Minister was speaking as he visited a digital training session at Drumellan Community Centre in Craigavon as part of Get Online Week (20-26 October).
The training sessions, delivered by Supporting Communities in partnership with the Department of Finance’s Go ON NI programme, provide training primarily to individuals and community groups focusing specifically on older people and rural communities.
Minister O’Dowd said: “Having digital skills and the confidence to access digital services is important socially but also important financially. It opens doors for people to save time and money, allowing them to use a whole range of products they would not otherwise be able to access, and avail of some services at a reduced rate.
“I was pleased to see how my Department is working with people who previously faced digital exclusion, with over 1,400 helped this current financial year, and how training sessions like this one at Drumellan Community Centre are helping them develop the necessary skills and confidence. These training sessions are ongoing throughout the year but during Get Online Week it is especially good to see how this valuable work is promoting equal access to digital opportunities for all.”
During the digital training session, local residents were teamed up with digital champions to demonstrate how targeted support can empower people to access online services, stay connected, and improve their digital confidence.
Notes to editors:
- Supporting Communities is an independent charity that provides training primarily to individuals and community groups. As part of the Go ON NI programme, it offers basic digital skills courses.
- Get Online Week is a digital inclusion campaign, coordinated annually by the Good Things Foundation.
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